Boston Celtics (7-7) at Atlanta Hawks (6-9)
Boston heads to Atlanta having won 3 of their last 4 games. Which included a revenge 98-92 win over the Cavs after they fell apart in the 4th quarter against the same team a few games previously. There will be personal motivation for Dennis Schroder in this matchup as he was a first-round pick by the Hawks in 2013. Without Jaylen Brown on the court, he's started 5 games in a row and should enjoy a good matchup against Trae Young.
Atlanta have improved their home record to 5-1 after beating the Magic and Bucks by 20 points. They've now won 12 in a row against East opponents on their home court and will look to continue the streak against Boston on Thursday. It's been a slow start to the new season for the Hawks, highlighted by 6 defeats in a row and a disaster Western conference tour. But as mentioned, the Hawks have been much better at home compared to on the road.
The overall trend between the Hawks and Celtics has been high scoring affairs and we like it here as well. In the last 5 meetings, the Over is 4-1 and it's also 5-2 when they play in Atlanta.
Stadium Record
The Hawks are 5-1 in their last 6 home games. Boston also holds a 5-1 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Celtics have won 8 of the last 10 meetings since 2018.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Lakers (8-7) at Milwaukee Bucks (6-8)
While the Lakers have won 3 of their last 5 games, they come off a bad loss to the Bulls 121-103. One of the areas of concern for LA was their 3 point shooting as they converted just 6 of 32 attempts. However, Talen Horton-Tucker has made an excellent return from injury and comes off a career-high 28 points. There is a chance LeBron can return from injury. But if not, Anthony will get the start and Horton-Tucker should be dangerous with high minutes.
Milwaukee begins a 5 game homestand against the Lakers and they'll be looking to break a 2 game losing streak. While Giannis returned against the Hawks, he couldn't stop the likes of Trae Young as the Hawks recorded a comfortable 20 point win. In more positive news, Khris Middleton should be able to return for this matchup.
This looks like a good spot for the Lakers to get back on track. Milwaukee has struggled at home this season and has missing pieces throughout their starting lineup. Los Angeles should also be highly motivated after getting thrashed by the Bulls last time out.
Stadium Record
Milwaukee has won 19 of their last 24 home games. The Lakers have a poor 2-8 record in Milwaukee.
Head to Head Record
Since 2017, the Bucks are 7-3 against the Lakers and won the last meeting 112-97.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Lakers +8.5 = $1.85
Dallas Mavericks (9-4) at Phoenix Suns (10-3)
Dallas heads to Phoenix having won 5 of their last 6 games. However, Luka Doncic hurt his ankle in the latter stages of the 111-101 win over the Nuggets on Tuesday. He's been ruled out for this contest as a result. But the form of Kristaps Porzingis is a good sign for this team going forward. He's averaging 26 pts / 9 rebounds / 8.8 assists in their last 6 games. Without Doncic on the court, he'll need a huge game against the Suns.
Meanwhile, the Suns are aiming for a 10th straight win and haven't lost a game since Oct 28 against the Kings. They got Deandre Ayton back in their 3 point win over the T-Wolves on Tuesday and he picked up 22 points / 12 rebounds. Last season, the Suns swept the Mavs in 3 games so they'll look to continue that form into Thursday's matchup.
Losing Doncic is a huge blow for the Mavericks and their scoring ability. So we can't look past the red-hot Suns as they've also dominated the Mavericks recently.
Stadium Record
The Suns are a perfect 5-0 in their last 5 at home. Dallas has a poor 1-7 record at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Phoenix has won all of the last 6 meetings and hold a 7-3 record since 2018.
Best Bet
